A 2010 seventh-round pick out of Vanderbilt by the Patriots, Welch spent most of his first season on the Vikings practice squad.

Waived by the Vikings in September, Welch joined the Patriots practice squad and was added to the active roster for the 2011 Regular Season opener.

Though he’s shuttled between New England’s practice squad and active roster, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Welch has started one of three games this season. Released by New England earlier this month, Welch joined the Bills’ practice squad last week.

The Rams have lost starting left tackle Rodger Saffold to a season-ending pectoral injury during a weight-lifting session last Friday, and right tackle Jason Smith has missed the last four weeks with a concussion.

Saffold’s replacement, Mark LeVoir, suffered a pectoral injury early in Sunday’s 24-7 loss to the Seahawks, forcing the team to use rookie Kevin Hughes, who was signed off the practice squad on Saturday, at left tackle.